Case against Tamil poet Vairamuthu for remarks on Andal

Multiple cases were registered against national award winning Tamil lyricist and novelist Vairamuthu on Saturday by various Hindu outfits for his controversial remark on Andal, the saint-poetess revered among the 12 Alwars (Vaishnavite minstrels).

Cases have been filed against Vairamuthu at Kolathur, Chindadripet and Tambaram in Chennai and Rajapalayam in Virudhunagar district while Vaidhiyanathan, editor of Dinamani, a Tamil daily, was named in the FIR in Kolathur and Chindadripet. The case has been filed under IPC Sections 153 A (promoting enmity, wanton vilification upon religion), 295 A (deliberate, malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings) and 505 (2) committing the offence in any place of worship against the poet.

The controversy erupted following Vairamuthu's article 'Tamilai Andal' (One who ruled the Tamil), published in Dinamani, in which he had quoted from the book, 'Indian Movements: Some Aspects of Dissent Protest and Reform' thus: "Andal was herself a devadasi who lived and died in the Srirangam temple." The book was edited by Subash Chandra Malik. Vairamuthu wrote, "Devotees will not accept this. But those who resist male domination and atheists might ponder over the argument."

After coming under attack from BJP and AIADMK members for his remarks, Vairamuthu quickly expressed his regret and clarified he had not intended to hurt anyone and had only quoted from a book published by the Indiana University. "What was published was not my opinion. It was the view of an independent researcher. The objective of literature is to elevate the status of literary figures and not to demean them. All know that my entire article speaks of the greatness of Andal. My intention is not to hurt anyone but if I had hurt, I feel sorry," he said in a statement.

BJP's national secretary H Raja launched a personal attack threatening the lyricist, while AIADMK spokesperson and former Minister Vaigaiselvan said Vairamuthu has expressed wrong views on Andal, who enriched the Tamil language by her poetry, during the month of Margazhi.

The Tamil poet's apology did not end the protest that erupted against him. The Hindu Munnani volunteers staged a demonstration on Friday in Srivilliputtur, the temple town of Goddess Andal and urged the police to arrest the lyricist. On Saturday, members of the Hindu Munnani protested outside Vairamuthu's house. Meanwhile, an ultimatum has been issued to Vairamuthu by the seer of Manavala Mamunigal Mutt, Satakopa Ramanuja Swamigal in Srivilliputhur. The seer has said that if Vairamuthu does not apologise at Andal Temple before Wednesday, he will embark on a hunger strike.

DMK working president MK Stalin condemned the ongoing protests. "We don't encourage anyone speaking ill of any religion. In this case, Vairamuthu has regretted, even the newspaper has apologised. But some people are politicising it, that is not right. I condemn it.

CPM state secretary G Ramakrishnan, while extending support to Vairamuthu, sought action against BJP leader Raja for inciting violence against the poet.

Carnatic musician and writer TM Krishna said the controversy was "deeply disturbing" and those who have taken offence have shown "scant respect to the Devadasi community". "The reactions imply that Devadasis are lowly beings, outcastes sans any moral or ethical moorings," he wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday. "The reactions seem to be coming from the feeling 'how can such a pure divine soul such as Andal be referred to as a Devadasi?' This is so very problematic. Does Andal become lesser if she was a Devadasi?"

Parties outraged

• BJP national secretary H Raja launched a personal attack threatening the lyricist
• AIADMK said Vairam-uthu has expressed wrong views on Andal. 
• The poet’s apology has not helped to end the protests against him.